These red-and-white signs are popping up all over the City of Bonifay.

They advocate for change in the upcoming election, particularly with City Council members and the Police Chief.

"I just want to see Bonifay run and we have city officials that work hard to see that Bonifay grows."

Wayne Powell and his wife, Judy, are some of the citizens who have organized a petition to change the Police Chief's job to an elected position.

The Powells and others want the position to change to a four year term beginning on the second Tuesday after the election.

The first one would begin in 2011.
The group says it basically boils down to politics.

"We want to make sure that if we get this passed and Chris wants to run and he's elected, that he'll have to answer the people and not to one or two men."

The City Council unanimously appointed Holmes County resident Chris Wells to the job last year.

"A lot of the word that I'm getting is that people believe the City Council has too much authority over the Police Department that they pick and choose who we arrest which is the furthest thing from the truth. Our job is done based on Florida law and State Attorney's Office approval."
Wells thinks the group's proposal will actually work against their goal.
"In my opinion, an elected Police Chief would just be more political than it is currently and you want to try to keep politics out of law enforcement."

So far roughly 200 people have signed the petition and the Powells are remaining optimistic that positive change will eventually come to their city.

"We're just gonna see where it goes and hope that people will vote for these amendments."

A second amendment focuses on establishing term limits for City Council members.

Bonifay's city election is March 23rd.